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One person goes for Trudeau's seat

Grovetown Mayor Dennis Trudeau, left, is retiring after 20 years, and former Councilman George James is the only man who qualified to replace him.

The Nov. 6 Grovetown mayoral election probably won't be much of a contest.

Qualifying for the race ended Friday with only one official candidate to replace Mayor Dennis Trudeau.

Three candidates qualified to fill two at-large city council seats, Mr. Trudeau said.

Former City Councilman George James was the lone qualifier to replace Mr. Trudeau, who has served as mayor of Grovetown for 20 years.

"I'm at a loss for words, to tell you the truth," Mr. James said. "It's the easiest race I've ever been in."

Mr. James, who was last elected to a four-year term on the city council in 2005, resigned his council seat Monday to run for the city's top job. Mr. James also served on the council from 1988 through 1991.

Mr. Trudeau defeated Mr. James during his previous contested re-election bid in 1999. In 2003, Mr. James ran for county commission, losing to District 4 commissioner Lee Anderson.

"I think he'll do a great job," Mr Trudeau said of Mr. James, whose only competition for the job might come from write-in candidates.

Grovetown City Councilman David Daughtry, who was expected to challenge Mr. James to replace Mr. Trudeau, instead qualified for re-election to city council.

Also qualifying for at-large city council seats are current City Councilman Dick Manion and Robert Len Newman.

Qualifying for candidates to fill Mr. James' seat begins Sept. 10. The empty seat will also be on the ballot Nov. 6.